385: A Dangerous Dance

The dusky light of the early evening fell across the quaint café where Alex agreed to meet the mysterious representative. He had anticipated a face-to-face with the mastermind behind recent tensions, not a mere intermediary. Yet, as he watched the unassuming assistant approach, Alex's expectation mingled with a dash of disdain. The assistant, a plain figure lost among the crowd, met Alex's frown with an unwavering calmness. "Mr. Alex, I understand this isn't what you expected, but my boss's commitments kept him away. However, he sends his sincerest regards along with me," he said, producing a document from his briefcase. Alex skimmed the document, his dissatisfaction simmering. "Sending an assistant and abducting my sister? Odd way to show sincerity for a supposed cooperation," Alex remarked, his tone laced with warning. "I assure you, the intention was never to offend. Consider this document a gesture of good faith," the assistant replied, his voice even but firm. The café buzzed